chopper Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 Hi guys, a quick question to the Sparky's out there, I recently bought a UV sterilizer from america (a very expensive one) and when i plugged it in the light flicked on for a second then went off, After this happens I read the instruction a little closer and apparently i need a transformer to convert the power to 240v Just wondering if I have totally stuffed it and or how could I get this up and running? Any help with this would be much appreciated, Kind Regards, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 Have heard this more than a few times, and usually its buggered good and proper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawry74 Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) Here in Australia we operate on 240Vac at 50hz, whereas in the states they use 120Vac at 60hz. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that u have probably blown the bulb. But I am surprised that u were able to plug it in as the US use different plugs......unless u used an adaptor. Edited February 24, 2014 by shawry74 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mealsy19 Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 Yeah totally different voltage man. I dare say that your new sterilizer is broken. Sorry dude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted February 24, 2014 Report Share Posted February 24, 2014 Post a link of the steriliser you bought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper Posted February 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 It is the same as this one https://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4825&catID=51 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicmacd Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 Probably fried the ballast too Pop it round my house and i can have a look for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabmel Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 all goes down to the "DONT TRY THIS AT HOME", alot of PPL buy from OS to save a few, but cost more, not only if they blow it up but the cost of a converting transformer, there are two typs of power supplies, IRON CORE or SWITCH MODE for exabple the IPhone charger is switch mode, thats why they come with the AUS attahcment for you to install, one transformer/charger for all the would, just pack the correct socket plate. it is easy to see this, ask the supplyer what is the operation voltage or ask for a picture of the spec plate, it will either be fixed, ie 110vac only or 240vac only or a range, 110-240v ac, it may not look diffent but can save money and heart ach, so a quick warning from a sparky Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny@ageofaquariums Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 Ouch. Yea, this is the most common one people blow up trying to save some cash. Which sucks as its a dam good germicidal unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ageofaquariums Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 Our price is a lot higher then the USA as the distributor pacifically orders them in 240 volt. They are small batch production runs so we pay a premium for them here. I can supply you with a new ballast / bulb if need be. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the cichlid kid Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 I can't find much info on the ballast that runs the lamp but it looks to be electronic in which case it is more than likely cooked. I would get a sparky to check it out for you, you may have been extremely lucky and have just blown the lamp. In either case both parts are replaceable by the looks Ultraviolet UV replacement parts...Aqua Art UV ultraviolet parts As Shawry said, how were you able to plug it in to an Australian socket? Did you use a plug adapter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mealsy19 Posted February 25, 2014 Report Share Posted February 25, 2014 If it's the electronis side you may be able to smell it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
